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ToggleLife in the UK as an International Student – What to Expect

By Globexa Immigration | Trusted Visa Counselor in Panipat & Haryana
Every year, thousands of students from India—especially from Haryana, Panipat, Karnal, and nearby regions—choose the UK as their study destination. Why? Because the United Kingdom offers globally recognized education, rich cultural diversity, strong job prospects, and world-class lifestyle facilities.
Whether you’re exploring options for a UK study visa without IELTS or applying through a traditional route, knowing what to expect after landing is just as important as the admission itself.
As your reliable partner in the study-abroad journey, Globexa Immigration is here to walk you through the entire student experience—from classroom to career.
1. A World-Class Education System Tailored for You
UK universities are globally ranked for academic excellence, teaching methods, and research output. Whether you choose a Russell Group university like University of Manchester or a modern university like Coventry or Birmingham City, you’ll benefit from:
Shorter course durations (3-year bachelor’s, 1-year master’s)
Focus on practical knowledge, industry exposure, and real-life projects
Personalised academic support and mentorship
State-of-the-art research and lab facilities
Unlike Indian colleges, UK education promotes independent study and encourages debate, innovation, and creative thinking.
Globexa Tip: Many UK universities now accept students without IELTS if you studied in English medium schools. Our counselors will help you find such institutions and prepare your application accordingly.
2. A Diverse, Global Community
Studying in the UK is like joining a mini United Nations. You’ll interact with students from over 150+ countries, including China, Nigeria, Canada, Pakistan, Germany, and Australia.
You’ll experience:
Cultural festivals like Diwali, Eid, Holi, and Christmas celebrated on campus
A welcoming attitude from faculty and locals
Student associations for your country or religion
Events, trips, and volunteering programs that encourage cross-cultural friendships
Why this matters: Cultural exposure improves your personality, communication skills, and networking—qualities employers look for globally.
3. Managing Finances: Budgeting Like a Pro
Living in the UK is more expensive than in India, but it’s manageable with good planning. Here’s a deeper breakdown of what you might spend monthly:
Category | Approximate Monthly Cost (£) | Tips |
---|---|---|
Rent | £450 – £1,000 | Choose shared housing or university dorms |
Groceries | £100 – £200 | Shop at Tesco, Aldi, or Asda |
Transport | £40 – £80 | Use student bus passes and railcards |
Internet & Mobile | £30 – £50 | Use providers like Giffgaff or Smarty |
Personal & Leisure | £100 – £150 | Take advantage of student discounts |
Total average: £800 – £1,300 per month
Bonus Insight: As a student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays, helping cover your living expenses.
4. Settling in: Accommodation Options
As a student, your first concern after landing will be: Where will I live?
Your options:
On-campus accommodation: Easy, safe, and social. Great for first-year students.
Private student housing: Purpose-built and fully furnished apartments for students.
Shared flats: Cheaper, more independent living. Great for budgeting.
Globexa Support: We help students with accommodation booking, roommate selection, and even airport pickups when requested.
5. Transportation & Daily Commute
The UK boasts a world-class transport system. Here’s what to know:
London: Use an Oyster card or contactless payment on the Tube and buses
Rest of UK: Students can get unlimited travel passes for buses and trains
National Travel: The 16–25 Railcard saves you up to 30% on train tickets
Cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow also have bike-sharing apps and pedestrian-friendly areas.
Globexa Advice: Always apply for student travel discounts early—they can save you hundreds of pounds annually.
6. Adapting to Weather, Food, and Lifestyle
UK Weather = Unpredictable!
It might be sunny in the morning and raining in the afternoon. Carry an umbrella always.
Winter: Dec–Feb, often below 5°C. Pack a heavy jacket and boots.
Summer: June–Aug, mild at 18–25°C.
Rain: Common year-round. Waterproof everything!
Food:
UK cities have Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and tiffin services—especially in cities with Indian communities.
Bonus Tip: Join online Facebook or WhatsApp student groups in your city for food-sharing, tiffin deals, and cultural events.
7. Health & Safety: NHS and Support Systems
When you apply for your student visa, you’ll pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This gives you access to NHS (National Health Service) facilities for:
Doctor appointments
Emergency treatment
Prescriptions (for a nominal fee)
What to do after arriving: Register with a local GP (doctor) near your university.
Safety: The UK is among the safest countries for international students. Most universities have 24/7 security, CCTV, and support helplines.
8. Internships, Jobs & Post-Study Work
UK degrees come with real career power.
Most universities offer:
Placement years in undergraduate or master’s courses
Job fairs with local and international recruiters
Career counseling centers to build CVs and prepare for interviews
Graduate Route Visa:
After completing your course, you’re eligible to stay in the UK for:
2 years (bachelor’s/master’s)
3 years (PhD)
This allows you to work full-time and gain professional experience.
Globexa Edge: We not only help with visas—we assist with resume building, internship planning, and long-term settlement options in the UK.
9. Communication, English Fluency & Social Integration
Most Indian students speak English, but adapting to UK accents (Scottish, Welsh, Cockney, etc.) may take time. Don’t worry—universities offer:
Free English language support
Conversation clubs
Peer mentoring for confidence building
Be polite, ask questions, and participate. British people are respectful, and they appreciate sincerity and honesty.
10. Leisure, Culture & Travel
Don’t just study—explore!
The UK is full of castles, museums, natural parks, and world-famous cities like London, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. Student discounts make it affordable.
You can:
Travel to Scotland, Ireland, and Wales on weekends
Join student trips to Europe (France, Germany, Spain)
Visit Harry Potter Studios, football stadiums, and theatre shows
Globexa Tip: Carry an ISIC (International Student ID Card) for extra discounts on flights, trains, museums, and more.
Final Words from Globexa Immigration
Studying in the UK is not just about getting a degree—it’s a journey of growth, global exposure, career development, and personal achievement. And you don’t have to do it alone.
At Globexa Immigration, we’re with you at every step—from finding the right university to landing in the UK with confidence.